Build A Rocket Boy is reportedly preparing to end its publishing partnership with IO Interactive, as the MindsEye developer looks to bring publishing operations in-house and take greater control over the future of its troubled debut title.
MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy is reportedly preparing to end its publishing partnership with IO Interactive.
According to Insider Gaming, the decision is being driven by Build A Rocket Boy rather than IO Interactive, with sources claiming the studio wants faster decision-making, simpler communication, and more direct control over the player experience.
The outlet claims an announcement is expected soon, though neither company has publicly confirmed the split at the time of writing.
As part of the supposed change, plans for the previously announced MindsEye x Hitman crossover are said to have been scrapped.
The crossover was revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, but the studio is now reportedly shifting its full focus toward patching, stability improvements, and new content aimed at rehabilitating MindsEye’s reputation.
MindsEye launched in June 2025 to a harsh critical and player response.
The action-adventure title currently holds mostly negative user reviews on Steam, with only a small fraction of critics recommending it at launch.
In the weeks leading up to release, Build A Rocket Boy co-CEO Mark Gerhard claimed that negative sentiment surrounding the game was the result of a coordinated paid campaign, a statement that drew further scrutiny.
Following launch, the studio largely went quiet publicly while attempting to improve the game behind the scenes.
Reports later emerged claiming that co-CEO Leslie Benzies warned staff that up to 300 jobs could be at risk, claiming “the studio and game’s struggles” were because of “internal and external saboteurs”.
Ending the IO Interactive partnership would mark a significant shift for Build A Rocket Boy as it attempts to steady MindsEye and rebuild player trust.
MindsEye dev Build A Rocket Boy ‘ending publishing partnership with IO Interactive’
